Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is a cryptocurrency born from a Bitcoin hard fork in August 2017. Designed to address Bitcoin’s scalability issues, BCH offers faster transaction processing and lower fees, making it more suitable for everyday payments.
This article explores Bitcoin Cash’s key features, price history, and future outlook while comparing it to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Key Takeaways
- Origin: Bitcoin Cash emerged from a Bitcoin hard fork in 2017, increasing block size from 1MB to 8MB (later 32MB).
- Smart Contracts: BCH integrated smart contract functionality in 2018, enabling decentralized applications (DApps).
- Market Performance: BCH peaked during the 2017 bull run but has underperformed compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum in recent years.
- Investment Potential: Despite current market downturns, BCH remains a top 20 cryptocurrency by market cap.
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) Overview
| Metric | Detail |
|----------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Symbol | BCH |
| Launch Date | August 2017 |
| Max Supply | 21 million BCH |
| Consensus | Proof of Work (PoW) |
| Block Size | 32 MB (vs. Bitcoin’s 1 MB) |
| Current Price | $X (as of July 2025) |
| Market Cap Rank | #19 (July 2025) |
Key Features of Bitcoin Cash
1. Scalability Solution
BCH increased Bitcoin’s 1MB block size to 8MB (later 32MB), reducing network congestion and fees. Bitcoin opted for SegWit (data compression) instead.
2. Smart Contracts and DApps
The 2018 upgrades enabled:
- Smart contracts (May 2018).
- DApp development via the BDIP protocol (November 2018).
Challenge: BCH faces stiff competition from Ethereum, Solana, and BNB Chain in DApp adoption.
3. Controlled Supply
Like Bitcoin, BCH has a 21 million supply cap and uses halving events (every 4 years) to regulate mining rewards.
Price History and Trends
2017–2025 Performance
- 2017–2018: Surged during the "Bitcoin bubble" but crashed by late 2018.
- 2020–2021: Lagged behind BTC/ETH in the bull market; failed to break 2017 highs.
- 2024–2025: Briefly rallied due to Bitcoin ETF approvals and U.S. election impacts but remains volatile.
Recent Trends (2025)
- April 2025: Prices dropped due to global trade tensions.
- July 2025: Mild recovery amid geopolitical uncertainties.
Takeaway: BCH’s price heavily correlates with broader crypto market trends.
Where to Buy Bitcoin Cash
Top Exchanges for BCH:
- Coincheck (Best for beginners; 35+ cryptos, low fees).
- SBI VC Trade (Supports DApp development and lending).
- GMO Coin (Advanced trading tools; 28 cryptos).
👉 Compare top crypto exchanges
How to Invest in Bitcoin Cash
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open an account on an exchange like Coincheck.
- Deposit funds via bank transfer or Quick Deposit.
- Analyze BCH trends using charts and indicators.
- Place orders (market, limit, or stop-loss).
Future Outlook: Pros and Cons
Opportunities
- Payment Adoption: Growing merchant acceptance could boost liquidity.
- Undervalued?: Current lows may appeal to long-term investors.
Risks
- Market Dependence: Tied to crypto market cycles.
- Competition: Loses ground to newer blockchains (e.g., Solana, Avalanche).
Bottom Line: BCH needs unique innovations to stay relevant beyond its Bitcoin legacy.
FAQ
Q1: Is Bitcoin Cash better than Bitcoin?
A: BCH offers faster/cheaper transactions but lacks Bitcoin’s brand dominance and security.
Q2: Can BCH recover its 2017 highs?
A: Possible with renewed adoption, but unlikely without DApp traction or payment integration.
Q3: What’s the best wallet for BCH?
A: Hardware wallets (Ledger, Trezor) or trusted mobile apps (Coinomi, Exodus).
Final Thoughts
Bitcoin Cash remains a viable but speculative investment, ideal for:
- Advocates of low-fee payments.
- Traders capitalizing on volatility.
Ready to invest? 👉 Start with Coincheck today.